Chicago Cubs: 5 bold predictions for second half of season

2. Adbert Alzolay never gets sent back down

Adbert Alzolay made his big league debut for the Chicago Cubs on June 20, backing starter Tyler Chatwood after he pitched 4 innings. Alzolay pitched 4 innings himself after dabbling to get a fifth inning, but ultimately lacked the endurance to keep going. Regardless, he still got the win in his Major League debut and made his first big league start five days later against the Braves.

In that start, he gave up a leadoff bomb but did not let that phase him as he settled in for 4.2 innings while striking out 4 batters and allowed just the one hit. His command suffered as he got tired in the fifth inning and walked a couple batters.

Alzolay was recently selected to participate in the MLB Futures Game along with fellow Cubs catching prospect, Miguel Amaya. If Alzolay remains with the big league club, he would be replaced by another pitcher, which I expect to happen. With the injury to Cole Hamels on Friday night and the uncertainty of Kyle Hendricks‘ return, Alzolay is here to stay.

Of course, things could get dicey if/when Hendricks and Hamels both return to the rotation, but the Cubs should consider utilizing a six-man rotation to keep guys fresh for another deep postseason run.